Suggested Events 10/27/07 – 11/02/07

IS WESTERN MASS HOME TO THE RAG SHAG PARADE?

Here’s a challenge for our readers, what are the origins of the “rag shag parade?” I had never heard of a rag shag parade until I moved to Western Mass. And as far I can tell, this style of parade is a local phenomenon. You don’t hear about rag shag parades happening in Minnesota or Louisiana. Not even Boston! Correct me if I’ve overlooked something, but they seem to take place largely in Western Mass, with at least eightELEVEN happening this week. So what gives? How did they originate, and why Western Mass? I’ll throw in a freeHFVS T-Shirt Review T-Shirt for the person that can come up with an answer, or at the very least a clever response.

AND JUST WHAT IS A RAG SHAG PARADE?

Judging from my limited experience, rag shag parades are free-for-all community events where families dress-up in costume and loosely parade down their local town’s main drag. Sometimes fire engines lead the way, sometimes fire engines close up behind. At at the end of the parade there are typically refreshments, activities and/or a bonfire. The kids run around, the adults hide behind masks, and often times trick-or-treating begins. I’m certain there are variations to this format. We’ve been to four rag shag parades since our daughter was born. All in Western Mass and all followed a similar pattern. Share with us your favorite rag shag parade stories below in the comment box.

SUGGESTED EVENTS

If you have a family-friendly event or educational program happening in Western Massachusetts that you’d like to let us know about, or would like to submit your event to the Hilltown Families calendar of Suggested Events, email Sienna at swildfield@juno.com. Comments are warmly welcomed!

3:30pm – GIRLS SOCCER – Take your kids to see the big girls play soccer at Hampshire Regional High School in Westhampton, MA. [Families] (Free)

5:30pm- HALLOWEEN EVENT – Easthampton Family Center’s 3rd Annual Rag Shag Tail-Gating Party at St. Phillips Church Parking Lot in Easthampton, MA. Join them at the “Halfway Point” of the Rag Shag Parade. Little feet don’t always make the whole parade route! Come party and join the parade as it passes by. Halloween Fun to be had. Not So Spooky Halloween Music. (Town Parade Starts at 6pm @ the Maple St School and Parades to Williston school where goodies bags are given out.) 413.563.7672 [Families] (Free)

4pm-5:30pm – HALLOWEEN EVENT – Trick-or-treating and a rag shag parade happen down Main Street in Greenfield, MA, followed by a free screening of It’s the Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown at the Garden Cinemas. [Families] (Free)

5:30pm – READ TO DOGS – The Meekins Library in Williamsburg, MA, will be resuming their special program Reading to Dogs. Animals are ideal nonjudgemental reading companions that are less intimidating than peers. Children sign up for 20minute slots. All dogs are registered therapy pets. 413.268.7472 [Ages 6 & up] (Free)

R. Joshua Mobley said,

In response to your inquiry on the history of the Rag-Shag, yes it is a New England, and more specifically, W. Mass phenomenon. This history is a little sketchy, but what I found out was that the actual term “Rag-Shag” is an inverse derivative of “Shag-rag”, which literally means: The unkempt and ragged part of the community. Being that the term has slang origins, the actual point of origin is vague at best, circa turn of the 20th century.

Essentially it was the ruffians and derelects that began the parade, sort of as a protest to the disparity of classsim. It was the only acceptable way their voice could be heard from a voiceless group. Over time it merged with Halloween festivities such as trick-or-treating which did not become a widespread practice until the 1930s, with the first U.S. appearances of the term in 1934,and the first use in a national publication occurring in 1939.

Sienna Wildfield said,

HF Listserv members Julie & Andrew have pointed out TWO MORE rag shag parades that are happening in Western Massachusetts:

“Also Williamsburg and Haydenville!

Tues. Oct. 30th Haydenville Rag Shag Parade. 6pm. Starts in front of Orchard’s (Joe’s Garage!) and goes to the American Legion, where games and treats follow. Assistance by Girl Scout Troupe 228.

and then

Wed. Oct 31st Williamsburg Rag Shag. 6pm. Starts on Mill Street and ends at the fire station w/games, drinks, treats. from the Elementary School’s The Planet.”

That’s now TEN rag shag parades happening in our area! If anyone has the skinny on the origins of the rag shag parade, or knows of any others happening in Western Mass, here’s the place to post your comment.

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Welcome to Hilltown Families, an award-winning community-based education network, serving the four counties of Western Massachusetts.

Founded in 2005 by Sienna Wildfield, Hilltown Families believes in creating resilient and sustainable communities by strengthening a sense of place through methods of community engagement that supports interests and values.

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